**England Thrash South Africa in ICC Women’s World Cup**
*Stats By Rajdeep Saha | Oct 03, 2025, 06:31 pm*
England’s women’s cricket team has made a spectacular start to their ICC Women’s World Cup campaign, defeating South Africa by a commanding margin of 10 wickets. The match, played in Guwahati on Friday, saw the Proteas bowled out for a mere 69 runs in just 20.4 overs — their second-lowest total in ODI World Cup history.
### Bowling Brilliance
England’s decision to bowl first paid immediate dividends. Linsey Smith was the standout performer with the ball, claiming three crucial wickets for only seven runs. She struck early, dismissing both South African openers in her first two overs. South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt was caught and bowled for 5, followed by the dismissal of Tazmin Brits, also for 5.
Lauren Bell then joined the attack, removing Sune Luus who managed just 2 runs. Smith continued her devastating spell by sending back Marizanne Kapp for 4 runs, leaving South Africa struggling precariously at 38/5 after the 10-over powerplay.
### Spin Success
Despite a resilient effort by wicketkeeper-batter Sinalo Jafta, who top-scored with 22 runs off 36 balls, South Africa’s middle and lower order couldn’t hold on. Jafta fell in the 18th over, bowled by England’s left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone, who finished with impressive figures of 2/19. Charlie Dean smartly wrapped up the tail-end, taking 2/14, while Bell ended with 1/24. Smith’s remarkable four-over spell, taking 3/7, effectively dismantled South Africa’s top order and prevented any recovery.
### Batting Performance
Chasing a modest target of 70, England’s batters swiftly completed the job. Amy Jones led the charge with an unbeaten 40 off 50 balls, supported by Tammy Beaumont’s calm 21 not out from 35 deliveries. The duo guided England to victory in just 14.1 overs, sealing a comprehensive win.
This dominant performance has given England a significant boost in their net run rate ahead of their upcoming match against Bangladesh on Tuesday, a game that could be impacted by rain.
### Records and Milestones
According to Cricbuzz, this victory marks England’s second-ever 10-wicket win against South Africa Women in ODI World Cup history, with the first coming against Australia in Bengaluru in 1997 (target: 164). It is also England’s third 10-wicket triumph in Women’s World Cup tournaments, joining wins against India (Nelson, 1982) and Ireland (Melbourne, 1988).
For South Africa, this total (69) is their third-lowest ever in Women’s ODIs. Their lowest all-out totals in ODIs stand as:
– 51 vs New Zealand, Bowral, 2009 World Cup
– 63 vs Pakistan, Potchefstroom, 2019
– 69 vs England, Guwahati, 2025 World Cup*
– 75 vs Bangladesh, Mirpur, 2012
– 77 vs England, Cuttack, 2013 World Cup
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England’s commanding win sets an emphatic tone for their World Cup journey ahead. Fans will be eager to see if they can maintain this high standard in the matches to come.
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